Hugh Grant on Why He Thinks His ‘Notting Hill’ Character Is “Despicable” and Doesn’t “Have Any Balls”

Hugh Grant on Why He Thinks His ‘Notting Hill’ Character Is “Despicable” and Doesn’t “Have Any Balls”

As a long-time fan of Hugh Grant‘s romantic comedies, I must admit it came as a surprise to me when I heard him express his displeasure with one of his most iconic roles – William Thacker from “Notting Hill.” It seems that even the charming and witty British actor has his regrets.


Hugh Grant isn’t particularly fond of many of his old films, yet he expresses particular criticisms towards his character from the 1999 romantic comedy “Notting Hill.

In a recent interview for “Scene Selection” with Vanity Fair, the actor expressed his viewpoint on why he believes his character William Thacker, who appears alongside Julia Roberts in the movie, is detestable.

Whenever I watch this show at home, after having had a few drinks, I can’t help but think, ‘Why isn’t my character more courageous?'” He expressed. “In one part of the movie, she’s in my house and photographers come to the door and ring the bell. At that moment, I feel like I should have allowed her to leave before answering the door. That was a terrible decision.

In this romantic comedy classic, directed by Roger Michell, the renowned actress Anna Scott (portrayed by Roberts) finds herself smitten with William, a bookstore proprietor from Notting Hill. Yet, the persistent interest of the paparazzi in her life adds an unwelcome complexity to their budding romance.

Grant mentioned, “I’ve never had a partner, be it girlfriend or wife, who hasn’t asked me, ‘Why on earth didn’t you intervene? What was wrong with you?'” He further stated, “I don’t have a good explanation for that – it’s just how the story unfolded. And I find him utterly detestable, truly.

In the ’90s and early 2000s, Hugh Grant graced our screens in numerous beloved romantic comedies like “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Nine Months,” the “Bridget Jones” series, “Two Weeks Notice,” and “Love Actually.” These films have earned him special affection from rom-com enthusiasts. However, unlike his fans, Grant himself doesn’t always look back on these projects with the same warmth.

Last year, I shared that portraying the Oompa Loompas in “Wonka” through CGI felt like wearing a crown of thorns, incredibly uncomfortable for me. I remember making quite a scene about it, feeling lost and confused throughout the process. This discomfort persisted for two long years. Honestly, there isn’t much I can say I enjoyed about that entire experience.

However, in 2016, Grant made it clear to The Hollywood Reporter that he doesn’t detest all his films, rather, he finds it intensely uncomfortable to watch himself act on screen.

He once mentioned that he dislikes all his movies, but that’s not accurate. Many of them are excellent. It’s just him that he can’t stand,” he said previously. “Whenever I see my work, I always think, ‘I messed that up.’ You never truly feel proud of your own creations. Watching yourself in a movie is like hearing your voice on an answering machine message times fifty.

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2024-11-15 06:24